we are grappling with the rise in technology and technology is getting in the hands of those using it for destructive purposes. the scene is a messy one. then we come to the issue of the u.s. that is what i would like to focus on. i lean more toward wolfgang's assessment. i think the debate and discussion about where the united states fits in it's in this and its purported decline i think has been exaggerated. there are many international crises. we are grappling with some very serious domestic economic issues. that has a direct ramification on our picking and choosing what we do abroad, how we use our resources and how we go forward effectively. i personally think that the argument about america in decline -- i think robert lieber had an excellent book in which he argued in a very compelling way that the united states is a resilient society. it always has manifesto leadership in grappling with problems in a manifest of leadership in grappling with problems and grappling with opportunities. this is process forward, combined with political will. i am on that side of the ledger. as to w